As an acupuncturist, I often see patients who, despite eating well and exercising regularly, are distressed by their latest blood work showing elevated total cholesterol. My first piece of advice is always, “Stay calm and don’t panic!”
Managing cholesterol and triglycerides is essential for cardiovascular well-being. However, addressing these concerns effectively involves more than just focusing on total cholesterol levels. By analyzing the different components of cholesterol and considering your overall health and lifestyle, we can provide a more comprehensive and tailored approach to treatment.
Total Cholesterol Calculation and Its Importance
Total cholesterol is calculated by summing the levels of LDL, HDL, and VLDL(estimated to be 20% of triglycerides). This total provides a snapshot of your cholesterol levels, but understanding the breakdown of these components is crucial. For instance, a high total cholesterol level might not be as concerning if it is due to high HDL levels, which are protective against heart disease.
Understanding Cholesterol and Its Components
Cholesterol is a fatty substance essential for building cells and producing hormones. It travels through the bloodstream in different types of lipoproteins:
• Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): Often labeled as “bad” cholesterol, high levels of LDL can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
• High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): Known as “good” cholesterol, HDL helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and tissues. It transports this cholesterol back to the liver for processing and excretion.
• Very Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL): This lipoprotein carries triglycerides, a type of fat, from the liver to various tissues. Elevated VLDL levels can also contribute to plaque formation in arteries.
The Role of HDL and LDL
HDL plays a vital role in cardiovascular health by facilitating reverse cholesterol transport. This process involves HDL collecting excess cholesterol from LDL and other sources in the bloodstream and transporting it back to the liver. In the liver, cholesterol is converted into bile acids and eventually excreted. This action helps reduce LDL levels and lower the risk of atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by plaque buildup in the arteries.
Triglycerides: Formation and Impact
Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body, providing a major source of energy. They are produced in two main ways:
• Dietary Intake: Excess calories from fats and carbohydrates are converted into triglycerides, which are stored in fat cells.
• Liver Production: The liver generates triglycerides from excess carbohydrates and proteins, packaging them into VLDL particles released into the bloodstream.
When needed, triglycerides are broken down into fatty acids and glycerol for energy. Excess triglycerides not used for energy are stored in fat cells.
A Holistic Perspective from Traditional Chinese Medicine
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), treating elevated cholesterol involves more than just addressing numbers. It requires a deep understanding of the patient’s overall constitution and lifestyle. Here’s how TCM approaches cholesterol management:
1 Analyzing Cholesterol Breakdown: By examining LDL, HDL, and VLDL levels, TCM practitioners can gain insights into lipid imbalances and cardiovascular risk. This detailed understanding helps in creating a targeted treatment plan. Research has shown that TCM can effectively modulate lipid profiles, reducing LDL and increasing HDL levels.
2 Constitution and Lifestyle: TCM emphasizes the importance of individual constitution and lifestyle factors. Analyzing these aspects helps identify the root causes of elevated cholesterol and provides a basis for personalized care.
3 Customized Treatments: TCM aims to treat the underlying causes of health issues. Customized acupuncture and herbal treatments are designed to address specific imbalances, considering both biochemical and constitutional factors. This approach not only helps in managing cholesterol levels but also promotes overall well-being. Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of specific herbal formulas and acupuncture in lowering cholesterol and improving cardiovascular health.
TCM View on Cholesterol Management
In TCM, high cholesterol is often seen as a result of imbalances in the body’s internal environment. It is commonly associated with conditions such as “phlegm-dampness,” “blood stasis,” and “liver and kidney deficiencies”. These imbalances can lead to the accumulation of cholesterol and other lipids in the blood.
Diagnosis in TCM
TCM diagnosis involves a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s symptoms, pulse, and tongue. Here are some common diagnostic patterns for high cholesterol:
◦ Damp-Phlegm Accumulation: Characterized by a feeling of heaviness, fatigue, and a greasy tongue coating. This pattern is often linked to poor digestion and metabolism.
• Cholesterol Profile: Typically associated with elevated LDL and VLDL levels, reflecting poor lipid metabolism and accumulation of “bad” cholesterol.
◦ Blood Stasis: Indicated by sharp, fixed pain, dark or purplish tongue, and a choppy pulse. This pattern suggests poor blood circulation and the presence of blood clots.
• Cholesterol Profile: May show elevated LDL and total cholesterol levels, indicating a higher risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular issues.
◦ Liver and Kidney Deficiency: Symptoms include dizziness, tinnitus, weak lower back and knees, and a pale tongue. This pattern reflects a decline in the body’s vital energy and organ function.
• Cholesterol Profile: Often associated with low HDL levels and elevated LDL levels, indicating an imbalance in the body’s ability to manage cholesterol effectively.
Acupuncture and Cholesterol
Acupuncture offer benefits for managing cholesterol levels by promoting overall cardiovascular health and reducing stress. Research indicates that acupuncture can help improve lipid metabolism and reduce total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. Additionally, acupuncture’s ability to reduce stress and enhance well-being support better cholesterol management by addressing underlying factors that contribute to elevated levels. These findings suggest that incorporating acupuncture as part of a holistic approach to managing cholesterol could be beneficial.
Herbal Treatments
TCM uses a variety of herbs to manage cholesterol levels. Here are some examples:
• Hawthorn (Shan Zha): Known for its ability to reduce LDL cholesterol and improve digestion. It is often used to treat food stagnation and blood stasis.
• Danshen (Salvia Miltiorrhiza): Used to promote blood circulation and reduce blood stasis. It has been shown to lower cholesterol and improve cardiovascular health.
• Chinese Wolfberry (Gou Qi Zi): Helps boost HDL cholesterol and supports overall cardiovascular health.
Regular monitoring of lipid profiles, combined with a holistic understanding of each patient’s health, helps in effectively managing cholesterol levels and supporting cardiovascular health. By integrating these insights into your approach to cholesterol management, we can provide a more comprehensive and individualized treatment plan that addresses both symptoms and root causes.
References:
Lee, J. H., Lee, J. H., Park, S. J., & Lee, H. (2018). The effectiveness of acupuncture on cholesterol levels: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 38(4), 560-567.
Zhang, Y., et al. (2020). “Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Lipid Profiles in Patients with Hyperlipidemia: A Meta-Analysis.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 248, 112-118.
Li, X., et al. (2019). “Lifestyle Interventions and Traditional Chinese Medicine for the Management of Hyperlipidemia: A Systematic Review.” Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 42, 1-8.
Wang, J., et al. (2018). “Efficacy of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Hyperlipidemia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Acupuncture in Medicine, 36(3), 188-195.
“Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine for Healthy Cholesterol.” Your Health and Longevity. “TCM Diagnosis for High Cholesterol.” TCM Window.
“13 Amazing Chinese Herbs to Lower Cholesterol.” Doctors Health Press.
“Support Cholesterol with TCM.” ActiveHerb.com Blog.
“Managing Cholesterol Levels with TCM Herbs.” Ci Kang TCM.
“Lowering Cholesterol with Chinese Medicine.” Emily Grace Acupuncture.
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